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Zito off crutches, but return still indefinite

Zito off crutches, but return still indefinite

Barry Zito

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PITTSBURGH -- Giants manager Bruce Bochy said Thursday that it's "hard to put a target date" on Barry Zito's return from a sprained right foot, though the left-hander has completed an early phase in his recovery.

Zito, who hurt himself on April 16, has shucked his crutches and can walk without wearing his protective boot, though he planned on wearing it during the Giants' flight to Washington. Zito, who was examined Wednesday by foot and ankle specialist Dr. Robert Anderson in Charlotte, N.C., cannot yet put full weight on his injured foot.

Bochy said that once Zito can function without the walking boot, he'll participate in baseball-related activities for one to three weeks before trying to throw off a mound.